Common Thread Quilt Guild

WORKSHOPS

We have an exciting variety of workshops lined up for you every year from September to June. When considering a workshop, we have a few objectives in mind:

  • teaching you new skills or techniques,
  • have fun, and
  • strengthening friendships.

Members and non-members can sign up for workshops by emailing ctqg.workshops@gmail.com or in person by visiting the Workshops table at our monthly meetings. Payment of the workshop fee can be made by e-transfer, cash or cheque. Your place is not secure until we receive your payment. Just a reminder that if you are paying by e-transfer for any workshop, please send the funds to ctqg.treasurer@gmail.com

Most of the time our workshops are held at Notre Dame des Champs Recreation Centre, 3659 Navan Road. This accessible venue offers free parking, washrooms, kitchen (fridge, coffee machine, microwave) and lots of natural light. We hope you will help to set up the room and clean up at the end of the day. The Workshops Team is always there earlier then the mentioned start time to unlock doors and deactivate alarms.

If you have a workshop idea, either in-person or online, please let us know by email at ctqg.workshops@gmail.com.

Workshop FAQ

We support our LQS’s (Local Quilt Shops) wholeheartedly and are NOT in competition! We rely on the LQS for their expertise – and their supplies! However, there are several reasons why you would take a workshop through the Guild:

    1. As much as possible, we run the workshops on a “cost recovery” basis. However, when we are lucky enough to have a teacher who is in exceptionally high demand come to our guild, the fees may be subsidized so that as many members as possible may participate – yes, membership does have its privileges!
    2. Now that we are also offering workshops virtually, we are looking far and wide for instructors who are comfortable with the virtual platform.
    3. We like to bring our members together in social situations. How much more fun is quilting when you do it with friends?!
    4. We listen to YOU when planning the workshops, and try to respond to YOUR interests.
    5. We try to give budding local designers and teachers the opportunity to expand and hone their skills – and encourage guild members to take leadership roles!  We have very talented members, even if we do say it ourselves.

Come with a friend! Non-members are welcome – who knows, they may not be a “non-member” for long!

Members are given first preference to register for a workshop. Once the workshop has been advertised in the newsletter and during one of the monthly guild meetings, any remaining spots are opened to the public. A person already a member of any other guild (OVQG, Modern Guild, etc.) pays the same workshop fee as our members. Those who are not a member of any other guild are asked to pay a nominal amount more. (Ex. Member $35 – Non-Member $45)

We send you detailed instructions when you register.   All the information you need to know will be provided so you are ready to go.   If there is pre-workshop homework, make sure it’s done so you can better follow along with the workshop.

We assume you know how your sewing machine works before participating in any class. If you’re not sure whether the workshop will be too easy or too difficult, don’t worry, your Workshops Team or the Instructor will be glad to answer your questions.

There is limited bus service, but if transportation is a problem, let us know and maybe we can arrange a lift.

You can sign up by sending an email at ctqg.workshops@gmail.com or dropping by the Workshops table at our monthly meetings. Our Workshops Team will give you all the information you need.

If you have any questions about a workshop, just ask – if we don’t already know the answer, we will do our best to find out.

After the maximum number of participants per workshop are enrolled, we establish a waiting list. If there is enough interest, it might be possible to offer another session.

All workshop fees are payable to CTQG either by etransfer to ctqg.treasurer@gmail.com or in person at monthly meetings.

Once you have sent an email expressing your interest in a particular workshop, our Workshops Team will email you to confirm your registration and provide all relevant information, including how to pay your workshop fee. Your space in a workshop is not guaranteed until the workshop fee is paid.

We don’t do refunds if you cannot attend. However, you can make arrangements for someone else to take your spot. If you choose to do that, let our Workshops Team know. They will need the name & email of your replacement to share information regarding the workshop.

If we are forced to cancel a workshop for any reason, all money will be refunded.

 

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

We have exciting workshops scheduled over the next several months and a possibly more in the works.    Please join us to create something fabulous.

 

Montage Art Quilts using Panels with Cyndi McChesney (virtual)

  • 2 sessions: Thursday February 15th and Thursday February 22nd, 2024
  • 9:30 to 12:00
  • Virtual (in the comfort of your home)
  • $50.00

Register at the October, November and December meetings or by sending a email to ctqg.workshops@gmail.com

For more information regarding this workshop and Cyndi McChesney, please visit her website at   www.cedarridgequilting.com

 

 

Patchwork Illusion with Paul Leger (in-person)

  • Saturday, April 13th, 2024
  • 9:30 to 4:00
  • Notre Dames des Champs, Navan
  •  $30.00 plus $40.00 for the kit  Total $70.00
  • Register at the November and December meetings or by sending an email to ctqg.workshops@gmail.com

 

Just a reminder that if you are paying by e-transfer for any workshop, please send the funds to ctqg.treasurer@gmail.com

 

 

 

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PREVIOUS Workshops

In-Person Workshops – Crumb quilts – Wednesday May 31, 2023

Do you have a lot of scraps that you want to use up?  Join our Chantale Richard to learn how to use up your scraps to make fabric.  These pieces can then be made into table runners or quilts.
Spend the day learning this technique with us.
  • Instructor: Chantale Richard
  • Location: Notre Dames Des Champ (Navan, Ontario) 3659 Navan Road, Navan, ON K4B 1H9
  • Time: 930 to 4pm (come a little earlier to set up)
  • Cost: $30 members, $40 non-members
  • Skill Level: confident beginner.
  • Maximum number: 12 participants
  • Note:  Please arrive a little earlier to set yourself up.
  • Register: Online by sending an email to ctqg.workshops@gmail.com or see us at an in-person meeting.

 

In Person workshop – Quilting with Rulers – Saturday May 6, 2023

Sign up deadline May 1, 2023

Come learn a new quilting technique.  In this workshop you will quilt 16 different versatile designs that can be used in blocks or background only using a straight ruler. 

You will need a ruler foot that fits your machine and a straight ruler for quilting.

  •  Instructor: Tara Starzomski
  • Location: Notre Dames Des Champ (Navan, Ontario)  3659 Navan Rd, Navan, ON K4B 1H9
  • Time: 9:15 to 4:00
  • Date: Saturday May 6, 2023
  • Cost: $35 members, $45 non-members
  • Skill level: Anyone looking to learn a new technique and have fun
  • Maximum number: 15 participants
  • Notes: 
    • Please arrive to set up at 9:15 with a prompt start time of 9:30.
    • Please note this class is very beginner friendly but students should already have a ruler foot as recommended by their machine dealer, know how to change the settings on their machine (especially if it is programmable), and have a straight ruler. The above is mentioned in the supply list but it is good for people to know up front as well. It could be added to the description on your webpage. A little experience with free motion can also be helpful.
  • Register: On-line, by sending an email to ctqg.workshops@gmail.com or come see us at an in-person meeting.   


In Person workshop – Learning the Art of Sashiko – Saturday April 1, 2023

Sign up deadline March 15, 2023

What is Sashiko?

Sashiko is a traditional Japanese embroidery style which dates back to the Edo period (1615-1868).  It was mostly used by the working class farming and fishing families as to make stronger more practical workwear.

Come join Kirstin Fearon as she teaches us how to prepare cloth for stitching, the proper hand posture for Sashiko stitching. We will have lots of time to practice. She will provide all materials in a kit (pricing below).

(Sample of Sashiko…not a course sample)
  • Instructor: Kirstin Fearon
  • Location: Notre Dames Des Champ (Navan, Ontario),     3659 Navan Rd, Navan, ON K4B 1H9
  • Time: 10:00 to 4:00
    Date: Saturday, April 1, 2023
  • Cost:   Workshop: $35.   Kit:  $20.00  This includes 1 needle, small skein of thread, fabric and thimble
  • Skill level: Anyone looking to learn a new technique and have fun
  • Maximum number: 12 participants
  • Notes:  Kit will include all supplies:  cloth, needle, thimble, thread.
  • Register: On-line, by sending an email to ctqg.workshops@gmail.com or come see us at an in-person meeting.


In Person workshop – Square Peg – Round Hole – Saturday March 18, 2023

Sign up deadline March 1, 2023

Come join instructor Paul Leger as he shares tips and tricks on how to make a pleasing modern, Square Peg – Round Hole quilt measuring 76” x 87”.  He will guide us through the process to make this vibrant quilt.  If you would prefer for Paul to kit up your project, please ask 1 month in advance. 

Please arrive by 9 am to set up for a 9:30 start time.  If the weather is bad, we may switch to zoom.  Virtual would be broken into  2 days, 2-3 hours per session.  Note: This workshop has homework to complete before the course starts.

  • Instructor: Paul Leger
  • Location: Notre Dames Des Champ (Navan, Ontario)

3659 Navan Rd, Navan, ON K4B 1H9

  • Time: 9:00 to 4:00
  • Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023
  • Cost:  
    • Workshop:  $50.00;
    • Kit: The fabrics are Banyan Batiks (see photo above) from the luster collection.
      • Full Kit $175 + GST (5 meters of background and 23 accent FQs)
      • Background only $75 + GST (5 meters)
      • 23 accent FQs $100 + GST
  • Skill level: Anyone looking to learn a new technique and have fun
  • Maximum number: 20 participants
  • Notes: You’ll be sent information on the fabric requirements, supply list and given homework once you have registered and paid our treasurer.  We will notify you by email if the workshop changes to virtual.   
  • Register: On-line, by sending an email to ctqg.workshops@gmail.com or come see us at an in-person meeting.   

 

In Person workshop – Barn Quilts – Saturday Feb 25, 2023

Sign up deadline Feb 1, 2023

What is a Barn Quilt?

A barn quilt is a fabric quilt pattern painted on exterior grade board material, large enough and bright enough to be seen from a distance. Barn Quilt patterns are often inspired by family treasured fabric quilts and are generally one block of the pattern, such as one large star.

What if I don’t have a barn?  You can make a smaller, lightweight one that can easily be hung indoors or out.

Come join Karyne Besso as she leads us through the design and painting of our Barn Quilt.  She will provide all materials except for rulers. You will create your block design, paint it, and then take it home ready to go.  You can chose from two sizes – 2’x2’ or 1’ x 1’.   And you can decide if you are painting up one 2 x 2 or one or two 1 x 1.  

If you need inspiration on a block, visit Barn Quilt Addicts on Facebook. Create a traditional block or create your own.
  • Instructor: Karyne Besso
  • Location:  Navan Arena (upstairs),  1295 Colonial Rd, Navan, ON K4B 1N1
  • Time: 9:00 to 4:00
  • Date: Saturday, February 25, 2023 (To be confirmed)
  • Cost: You can choose:

a)     2’x2’ (one) $70 members; $80 non-members

b)     1’x1’ (two) $70 members, $80 non-members

c)     1’x1” (one) $40 members, $50 non-members

  • Skill level: Anyone looking to learn a new technique and have fun
  • Maximum number: 24 participants
  • Notes:
    • Karyne will be providing lightweight PVC boards, paints (choice of 70 colours), frog tape, brushes and all the tools needed to complete your barn quilt. There will be a limited number of boards available with pre-drawn traditional block designs if you prefer to get right into painting for an additional $15 fee. 
    • You should bring a picture or sketch of the design you wish to paint, a painting apron if you have one, a yard stick and/or a 6×24 ruler and a smaller 6×12 quilting ruler with angle markings. Karyne will have a dozen long rulers available to use if there are non quilters in the group. Keep your first design relatively simple and no more than five or six colours if you wish to finish in one day!
  • Register: On-line, by sending an email to ctqg.workshops@gmail.com or come see us at an in-person meeting.   

Virtual workshop – Pet Portrait – Saturdays, November 19 and December 3, 2022

Sign up deadline October 19, 2022

Have you ever wanted to make a portrait of your beloved pet? If so, your chance is coming up in November. John MacPhail of Art East Quilting Co will show us how. Working from a photo of our choosing, John will teach us all the skills, tips and tricks we need to complete our very own raw edge applique portraits celebrating the special critters in our lives.

  • Instructor: John MacPhail (Nova Scotia)
  • Location: Zoom (Virtual)
  • Time: 9:30 to 1:30 on two Saturdays (you must be able to attend both sessions)
  • Date: Saturdays, November 19 and December 3, 2022
  • Cost: $65 for members, $75 for non-members
  • Skill level: Anyone looking to learn a new technique and have fun
  • Maximum number: 20 participants
  • Notes: Preparation of photo and choosing fabric will be required before class
  • Register: On-line, by sending an email to ctqg.workshops@gmail.com . Spaces are available.

Virtual Workshop – Watercolour Quilt – Saturday, June 4, 2022

The Watercolour Quilt is a wall hanging made from one large block that uses curved piecing to create the illusion of transparency from overlapping circles. The class will cover Audrey’s process for building a fabric gradation and tips and tricks for stress-free curved piecing. Take the guesswork out of colour selection by using one of the published colour gradations inside the pattern! The Watercolour Quilt finishes at 32 x 32 inches.

  • Instructor: Audrey Esarey (USA)
  • Location: Zoom (Virtual)
  • Time: 9:30 to 3:00 with a lunch break
  • Date: Saturday June 4, 2022

 

Virtual workshop –Dresden Neighbourhood – February 5, 2022

In this workshop, we will build a Neighbourhood of houses based on the traditional Dresden Plate block. Each neighbourhood will be unique – based on your own creativity, color choices, etc. The wall quilt will finish at approx. 24” square (but can easily be made larger or smaller).

This project is very scrap-friendly and doesn’t need any obscure tools or gadgets. You can use a Dresden Plate ruler (if you have one) or just use templates.

  • Instructor: Michelle Banton (USA)
  • Location: Zoom (Virtual)
  • Time: 9:30 to 3:30 with a lunch break
  • Date: Saturday, February 5, 2022

Virtual workshop – Fantastic Fusion – January 26 and February 2, 2022

How about something that looks really complicated but just might be easier than it looks. No sewing is required to create this unique quilt top. All fabric is fused together and then the quilting is what holds it together. Learn to cut with no rulers and create your own original quilt.

This class will teach you how to use fusible web to allow freedom of design.

With basic colour and design principles, Lisa will show us a REALLY SIMPLE technique of cutting and layering fabrics to create designs that would be incredibly difficult using traditional piecing techniques.  Once your piece is all together and it’s time to move on to the quilting, Lisa will show us how to do improvised quilting and an easy but professional facing technique to finish your quilt.

  • Instructor: Lisa Walton (Australia)
  • Location: Zoom (Virtual)
  • Date: Wednesdays; January 26 and February 2, 2022

 

Virtual workshop – Christmas twiddles with Jennie Rayment – November 6, 2021

Remember Jennie Rayment and what fun we had folding and fiddling fabric last January?  Well Jennie is coming back to us in November to help us fiddle and twiddle our way to some Christmas decorations.

  • Instructor: Jennie Rayment (England)
  • Location: Zoom (Virtual)
  • Date: Saturday, November 6, 2021

Virtual Workshop – Custom Edge to Edge Walking Foot Quilting – October 2, 2021

Do you dislike burying threads? By quilting from edge to edge you will not have to bury any threads (unless your bobbin runs out or your thread breaks). But just because you are quilting from edge to edge, doesn’t mean you are limited to a boring quilt design or following the same pattern throughout the quilt. Join Melissa in this class where you will be quilting a simple pixel quilt by using Melissa’s Custom Edge to Edge Walking Foot Quilting technique. (Note: You will be required to make the quilt top prior to class. Instructions will be provided upon registration.) – Based on Melissa’s book, Edge-toEdge Walking Foot Quilting Designs which is required for the class.

  • Instructor: Melissa Marginet (Manitoba)
  • Location: Zoom (Virtual)
  • Date: Saturday, October 2, 2021

 

Virtual workshop – BeColourful technique- Happiness 2.0 – May 1 and 29, 2021 and May 2 and 30, 2021.

This pattern was specifically designed for those of us who admire BeColourful patterns, but do not know where to start. The BeColourful website describes the pattern this way:

“It is the perfect beginners quilt in which we show 13 techniques that Jacqueline uses in all her designs. So if you hesitate to start one of the BeColourful designs, start with this one and you can handle them all!”

This class is ideally suited to those who know paper-piecing but are interested in learning the BeColourful techniques.

  • Instructor: Melanie MacDonald of LazyLabQuiltingCo (Ottawa)
  • Location: Zoom (Virtual)
  • Dates: Saturdays May 1 and 29, 2021 and Sundays May 2 and 30, 2021

Virtual workshop – Circles, Circles and Gentle Curves – April 18 and 25, 2021

Build/refine your quilter’s toolkit of essential skills to include curved piecing and machine applique and inset circles to add interest in your quilting projects.

It all starts with a gentle curve. This minimal waste technique is the warm up for ¼ circles or drunkard path blocks. Whilst many quilters’ have drunkard path blocks in their repertoire, the fabric glue technique can increase their accuracy.

Two different techniques for machine sewn circles with no raw edges. The circle technique should “match” the size and application in your project.

  • Instructor: Susan Madu of Modern Blended Quilts (Alberta)
  • Location: Zoom (Virtual)
  • Dates: Sundays, April 18 and 25, 2021

 

Virtual workshop – Seven techniques for Quilting section by section – April 17, 2021

Finding it hard to squeeze a big quilt through the opening of your sewing machine but you don’t want to pay to have your quilt professionally done? The solution is to quilt section by section and then assemble your quilt. Have no fear! These techniques will make it possible to quilt your own quilt! The Bonus: you will have the satisfaction of completing your quilt from beginning to end.

In this workshop, you will learn the advantages of each of 7 QAYG techniques, how to choose the best technique to achieve the results you want, how to adapt a regular pattern into a Quilt as you go and get stunning results.

At the end of this workshop, you will have made a sample of each of the techniques for future reference.

Reversible Quilt assembled with Technique  #6(called: When all else fails, developedby La Quilting Coach)

  • Instructor: Marie-Claire Charette (La Quilting Coach)
  • Location: Zoom (Virtual)
  • Date: Saturday April 17, 2021

 

Virtual workshop – Speed Date with Improv – March 27, 2021

Think of this class as speed dating with improvisational piecing techniques that include curves and free-cutting.  It will be fast-paced and a lot of fun:  several techniques are introduced and demonstrated one after the other with very little time to second guess, stress or obsess over perfection. Every student will end up with a unique, original improv sampler quilt!  The focus here is to explore line, shape and happenstance in abstract design, so keep things simply graphic by using solid-coloured fabrics in black, white and one pop of colour.  In the afternoon, Krista will share design wall tips to jigsaw the improv elements together, seeking balance and creative design opportunities.  Some pre-cutting is required.

This Zoom class combines pre-recorded technique videos with live instruction/support from Krista throughout the class.

  • Instructor: Krista Hennebury (British Columbia)
  • Location: Zoom (Virtual)
  • Date: Saturday March 27, 2021

 

Virtual Workshop – Texture into Sudoku – January 16, 2021

Nine ingenious ways to create surface texture and manipulated magic. Create all nine ideas in class and combine to create an amazingly marvellously nipped, tucked, twiddled and fiddled panel with a little added extra embellishment.

These designs can be made from one colour or use a variety of shades.

Batiks/plain coloured/hand-dyed cotton, silk or other natural fabrics with no obvious right/wrong side are a good choice of material.

  • Instructor: Jennie Rayment (England)
  • Location: Zoom (Virtual)
  • Date: Saturday January 16, 2021

 

Virtual Workshop – Modern Quilting with your Walking Foot – December 5, 2020

As a participant in this class, you will make samples of different quilting ideas that can be executed on the home sewing machine with a walking foot. Not everyone can afford a long-arm quilter or wants to have someone else quilt their quilt, and not everyone enjoys free motion quilting.  You will create samples of walking foot designs on small quilt sandwiches to help you understand what makes each design successful. We will also look at variations of the designs you stitch out. These samples will be a great reference for you when deciding how to quilt your next quilt. This class includes information on quilting all sizes of quilts on the home sewing machine. – ALL LEVELS      Based on Melissa’s book, Walking Foot Quilting Designswhich is recommended for the class.

  • Instructor: Melissa Marginet (Manitoba)
  • Location: Zoom (Virtual)
  • Date: Saturday December 5, 2020

 

Virtual Workshop – Foundation Paper Piecing with Freezer Paper –  November 7, 2020

If you don’t like paper piecing this method could very well change your mind! No papers to rip out and very precise seams make this a skill worth learning.

Leanne kicks off this workshop by demonstrating how to create the first few blocks. Then, step by step, you can sew-a-long virtually with her. You should be able to complete a few blocks during the 2 hour workshop and then continue on to make a mini 27”x27”, a 54”x54”, or 72”x72” quilt. Dig in to your stash and join us to grow your foundation paper piecing skills.

  •  Instructor: Leanne Parsons (Newfoundland)
  • Location: Zoom (Virtual)
  • Date: Saturday November 7, 2020

 

Virtual Workshop Name – Interwoven Art –  October 21 and 28, 2020

Create a beautiful and interesting 18” x 18” art quilt using four fat quarters that weave into each other using a quilt-as-you-go method. Instructions will be provided to make either a tote bag or a cushion with your Interwoven Art or just bind it and display it proudly.

  • Instructor: Melissa Marginet (Manitoba)
  • Location: Zoom (Virtual)
  • Date: Wednesdays, October 21 & 28, 2020

Common Thread Quilt Guild